Motion Palpation
Rarely is a joint out of place. Rather, what often happens is that a joint loses movement. This loss of movement causes degenerative changes in other joints that are compensating for the restriction. To find these restrictions, our doctors utilize the Motion Palpation technique, a dynamic way of assessing joint dysfunction to determine where (or if) there are movement restrictions in the spine. Motion Palpation allows the doctors to examine patients’ movements as they walk and administer weight-bearing joint analysis to identify fixations. Once a restricted joint is identified, the doctor works to mobilize the fixated areas, restoring proper function to these joints.

Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy
In order to put movement in a joint that is fixated, the doctor utilizes chiropractic manipulation or an adjustment to help restore normal function and motion in a joint. Generally, this technique employs gentle pressure or a shallow thrust to restore optimal motion. An adjustment is sometimes accompanied by a pop or cracking noise, which results from the joint’s release of nitrogen gas.

To date, many studies of the chiropractic adjustment have proven its effectiveness, safety and high levels of patient satisfaction. In 1994, the U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy deemed this technique as the gold standard for treating low back pain. Since the agency’s initial findings, more research has been conducted on neck pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, infantile colic and rehabilitation. Each of the study’s findings supports the role of chiropractic care and its manipulative procedures.

Patients benefit from our manipulative therapy techniques, which are based on current medical research. Meaning the doctors utilize evidence-based spinal manipulation that has been clinically proven as the preferred adjusting technique, achieving long-term results with fewer treatments.

Applied by hand using specific pressure and tension on the muscle, ART is more aggressive than massage therapy. According to the technique’s creator, ART works by trapping the affected tissue with the doctor’s thumb or fingers and then moving the tissue from its shortened position to an elongated point. This method softens and stretches the scar tissue, resulting in increased range of motion, enhanced strength and improved circulation optimizing the healing process.

Currently, medical research refers to ART as the most effective muscle technique for treating soft-tissue conditions. For more information on ART please visit: www.activerelease.com

Graston Technique
With Graston Technique®, Dr. Elizabeth uses stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of scar tissue or adhesion in muscles, tendons, fascia, and ligaments. These instruments allow the doctor to find tissue problems with amazing sensitivity. Graston has proven itself in the current research as a leader in initiating the healing process, regenerating stronger tissue, and managing many musculoskeletal cases. For more information on Graston please visit: www.grastontechnique.com

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Treatment Protocols
The TMJ is the joint between the jaw or mandible and the skull. It is used every time we chew, talk, or even swallow. Its anatomy as well as its movements are very complex and very often become dysfunctional. This dysfunction can cause pain in the jaw or face, popping or clicking during chewing, limitation of jaw movement, or even headaches/migraines.

The doctors of Middle Tennessee Spine and Joint Center are highly trained in the evaluation and treatment of this orofacial condition. Our conservative approach to temporomandibular dysfunction consists of a detailed examination of the TMJ and its function, as well as the function of the cervical spine (neck). Treatment focuses on first releasing the tension of the proper soft tissues, in some cases mobilizing the jaw or manipulating the neck, and then teaching the patient how to retrain proper jaw motion with rehabilitative exercises. The goal of this treatment is to restore proper function of the joint and stabilize its motion. Many times, there is hope for a clicking jaw, painful joint, or headaches even if a patient has been dealing with the problem for years.

Musculoskeletal Pain in Pregnancy Treatment Protocols
The doctors at Middle Tennessee Spine & Joint Center take a unique approach to treating musculoskeletal pain in pregnancy. Dr. Jacob received his certification in this field while working on his internship in the outpatient clinic rotations. Their office now utilizes the same techniques and protocols that were used in the pain in pregnancy clinics in Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Missouri Baptist Hospital, and the Centers for Advance Medicine in St. Louis, MO. These clinics were part of a collaborative effort by Logan University and Washington University School of Medicine to identify if there was a need for treatment for pain in pregnancy and the effectiveness of this treatment. The research was conducted for a decade and now its results and success are being brought to Murfreesboro. Our doctors will work hand-in-hand with your Ob/Gyn to provide a safe, natural alternative for your pain management.

Functional Rehabilitation
Functional rehabilitation incorporates clinical lifestyle recommendations, manual treatments and functional exercise regimes to help patients regain normal function of their spine and limbs returning patients to their active daily lifestyles. Therapy begins by identifying faulty patterns of movement often resulting from poor posture, improper lifting mechanics, fitness training errors or injury. In the early stages, subtle changes in movement or muscle activation can go unnoticed by the patient. However over time, the increased stresses placed on the joints and surrounding soft-tissues can produce pain in muscles or joints and/or a loss in normal range of motion.

To effectively treat these dysfunctions, which often stem from patient’s daily activities, doctors may offer joint manipulation coupled with a series of targeted exercises patients can use as homework. This comprehensive and consistent approach works to retrain muscles, restore joint function and prevent recurring injuries and doctor visits. Additionally, doctors will equip the patient with innovative techniques for maintaining proper posture, improving lifting mechanics or workouts, and determining Do’s and Don’ts related to certain jobs or daily activities. The effectiveness of this treatment protocol depends on the patient’s commitment to their therapeutic exercises and doctor’s recommendations.

Neuromobilizations
Neuromobilization techniques involve the treatment of the nerves in and down the arms and legs. Patients performing certain prescribed motions will encourage proper nerve function and thereby decrease symptoms.

Ergonomic Consultations
Many workplace injuries are a result of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD). CTDs are injuries that occur not from one specific incident, but rather from performing a set of movements repetitively (such as typing, controlling a mouse, or sitting for long periods of time).

Drs. Jacob and Elizabeth will evaluate the workplace and suggest changes that may assist in minimizing this type of injury.